June 19, 2025
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Spencer Strider feels physically ready to return from the injured list, but the Braves are taking a cautious approach as they navigate a demanding 17-game stretch with no off-days. While Strider is eager to contribute, he knows the final decision rests with the team.

“I feel confident I can help us win,” Strider said. “But it’s not my call.”

He isn’t currently slated to pitch in the Braves’ four-game series against the Nationals this week. If the team opts to activate him for Friday’s game in Boston, it could give Chris Sale an extra day of rest. That decision will depend on how Sale fares in his Sunday start and how heavily the bullpen is taxed during the Nationals series.

Strider threw a strong bullpen session Saturday, totaling over 40 pitches, and reported no issues with the right hamstring strain that sidelined him after his return from elbow surgery. He last pitched on April 16 in Toronto, throwing 97 pitches, but strained his hamstring five days later while playing catch.

The Braves are nearing the end of a tough stretch without a break, and while adding a sixth starter could ease the burden on the rotation, they must consider whether Strider is ready to handle a full outing. If he can’t go deep into the game, it could put extra strain on the bullpen.

“I feel ready, but I also haven’t pitched in three weeks,” Strider admitted. “So I’d understand if they want to wait. I’ve told them I’m available—beyond that, it’s their decision.”

The Braves also face a roster dilemma. To add Strider, they may need to make a tough call with the bullpen. Relievers Daysbel Hernández and Dylan Lee both have options but are too important to send down, and long reliever Scott Blewett strengthened his case to stay with back-to-back scoreless outings in extra-inning wins.

The Braves are eager to get Strider back in a regular role after his dominant 2022-23 seasons, where he led MLB in strikeouts and emerged as a top Cy Young contender. His recovery from elbow surgery was impressively fast, and a recent platelet-poor plasma injection helped speed up his recovery from the hamstring issue.

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